Staff were at restaurant after hours when Tim Hortons was charged with breaking COVID rules

A Tim Hortons in Winona that allegedly broke COVID-19 rules was closed to guests when the charges were laid, according to a company spokesperson.

When visited by bylaw officers Christmas Eve, the restaurant located at 1354 South Service Rd. allegedly broke three rules under the Reopening Ontario Act.

According to the city, they failed to ensure physical distance, ensure that face coverings were worn and had too many people inside in the establishment.

But in an email to The Spectator on Tuesday, a Tim Hortons spokesperson said the location was closed to guests when the events occurred" and the staff members were in the restaurant after the last shift of the day."

The company did not respond to questions about the circumstances inside the restaurant, how many people were inside and if Tim Hortons was aware of bylaw being able to lay charges after hours.

The spokesperson said the owner of the Tim Hortons will be looking into this situation further."

When reached by The Spectator with similar questions, a city spokesperson said they could not respond to questions about the charges this week.

Fallon Hewitt is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: fhewitt@thespec.com